Small Community, Big Draw

Despite its relatively low minority population, Nevada County boasts a very successful Asian theatre group. Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS) produces just one show per year, but it always draws a crowd. Jeff Hudson helps explain why.

In the lobby of the Nevada Theatre, CATS artistic director Lisa Moon puts things in perspective.

“Nevada County is actually the whitest county in California. It is 92 percent white, and there’s a very very small percentage of Asians.”

Based on those statistics, you might not think of the foothills as a likely place to launch an ethnic theater company. So why would CATS set up shop here?

“We wanted to bring our culture to this area and share it with this community.”

CATS is now in its 11th season, and the group’s success stems from its cross cultural appeal. This year’s show is “Tea,” a drama about Japanese war brides who married American servicemen after World War II. Their life between two cultures is symbolized in little decisions, like this scene, about deciding which beverage to serve.

(excerpt from show)

CATS actress Jeannie Wood, a longtime Nevada County resident, identifies with characters who emigrate, learn English, and adapt to American society.

“I grew up in San Francisco Chinatown, and I didn’t speak any English, and it was very tough growing up. And so right now, doing stories about immigration, it hits a true chord for me, so my pain had become my strength.”